Reading for comprehension

Much of what we have said already is contained within a well known technique for actively engaging with and extracting meaning from content - SQ3R. It is good for revision as well as reading something for the first time. 'SQ3R' stands for the five steps involved:

1. SKIM through the text quickly to get an overall impression.

2. QUESTION. If you are reading it for a particular purpose (for example, to answer an assignment), ask yourself how it helps. Also ask questions of the text: Who? What? Where? When? How?

3. READ. Read the text in a focused and fairly speedy way.

4. REMEMBER. Test your memory - but don't worry if you can't remember much.

5. REVIEW. Read the text in more detail, taking notes. Use your own words.

Evaluating the material

You need to critically evaluate the resource. To help you think critically, here are some questions you could ask.

Aspect of text	Questions
Presentation	Is the information clearly communicated? Look at language, layout, and structure.
Relevance	Does the information match your needs? Look at the introduction or overview to check what it’s about.
Objectivity	Is the author's position or interest made clear? Look for an introduction or overview. Does the author declare any connections that might compromise their independence? Is the language emotive? Are there hidden vested interests?
Method	What research methods were used, and how are results reported? Do you need to reassure yourself about their importance?
Provenance	Is it clear where the information has come from? Can you identify the authors or organisations responsible? How was it published? Has it been peer reviewed?
Timeliness	Is it clear when the information was produced? Does the date of the information meet your requirements? Is it obsolete?

Sometimes you are required to read and do a critical review of the various resources provided. Here are some more detailed questions that you might ask.

• Who is speaking or writing?

• What is their point of view or perspective?

• What ideas and information are presented and how were they obtained?

• Are there unsupported assertions?

• Are relevant reasons or evidence provided?

• Is the method used to find the evidence sound?

• Is the evidence correct or valid?

• What assumptions have been made?

• What is fact and what is opinion?

• What are the implicit and explicit values?

• Are there unreasonable generalisations?

• What has been omitted?

• How was the conclusion reached?

• Is the conclusion reasonable?

• What other perspectives or points of view could there be?